August 18, 2021

Looking for a Car Like That

Rockport, Maine

In January of 2017, Melodi Var Öngel came to Maine and collaborated with Jillian Galloway on this documentary song about a vintage Volvo. The summer before, Jillian had seen the Volvo with a for sale sign on the side of the road in Acadia. Now here it was winter, but that Volvo remained on her mind. As the song reveals, Jillian has her own sense of what's important.

Play Video

Lyrics

Up to the beaches,
Feeling really salty,
We had all the windows down.

There was this old car.
It looked forgotten.
Volvo 240.

Navy blue, leather seats,
Jump seat in the back,
Been looking for a car like that.

Had to check this car out.
We sat in every seat.
Tested out the steering wheel.

My dad walked up the driveway,
Knocked and rang the doorbell.
No answer from inside.

Navy blue, leather seats…

I was sad
I had to leave that car behind,
But I get hopeful
Any time
Someone mentions a Volvo 240.
Maybe that’s the one I’ll find.

People drive their trucks around
It makes them feel powerful,
This car was not like that.

People don’t realize
All the life in old things
Forgotten on the side of the road

Navy blue, leather seats…

Story Source

Jillian Galloway

CO-WRITER

Melodi Var Öngel

PERFORMED BY

Alex Wilder, Chloë Isis, Clio Berta, Malcolm Brooks, Will Foote

PRODUCED BY

Malcolm Brooks, Alex Wilder

Recommended Songs

Go On Lysette

March 13, 2025

This song tells the story of two friends biking through Mitchell, Oregon who are joined unexpectedly by a cattle dog. “Go On Lysette” is a tender reminder that sometimes the most meaningful companions on our journey are the ones we never expected to meet.

I’m Okay with the Scars

December 25, 2023

This song is based on the life story of Danielle Coppedge who, after her incarceration, worked with documentary songwriters to share her life experience.

Her message to the world is that hardships can leave scars, but they also make you stronger.

I’ll Share Here Story One Day

September 20, 2023

Before her imprisonment, Amy Spence focused on survival. Now she is looking within herself and takings steps to become whole.